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enMenez happy in MilanMilan forward Jeremy Menez insisted he is enjoying life at the club.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-happy-milan
Jeremy Menez has no desire to leave Milan, despite rumours linking the Frenchman with a move away from the embattled Serie A side.
Liverpool have emerged a possible suitor for Menez, who has scored 16 goals in 33 league matches this term.
But the French forward affirmed his commitment to Milan, who languish in 11th position with two Serie A fixtures remaining.
"I am happy here at Milan," Menez told the club's official television channel.
"The relationship with my team-mates is brilliant, we have a great group, it's just a shame about the results.
"On a personal level, I think that I've had a good season, but of course I could have done better and I hope that I can do more next season.
"You can always improve in a lot of areas, I feel very happy here, even if I've heard things that I do not like, but that's a part of football.
"I will try to give even more come next season.
"We have to end the season well for the club, the fans and for us. Then we will go on our holidays and we have to come back with a different mentality."news_articleSat, 23 May 2015 03:44:10 +0000Anonymous392794 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMeet the Man United-rejecting Frenchman who can soothe Liverpools woes Greg Leasays Milans Anfield-linked Jeremy Menez would deserve a big move after a terrific season in Serie A...Greg Leahttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-man-united-rejecting-frenchman-who-can-soothe-liverpools-woes
The 60-second story
Jeremy Menez’s career began at Sochaux in 2004, when he signed professional terms with the club from the east of France aged 16. He made his first-team debut in the 2004/05 season, becoming the youngest-ever player in Ligue 1, and impressed enough to immediately nail down a place in the starting XI. His performances over the next couple of years attracted the attentions of scouts from up and down the country, and Monaco eventually won the battle for his signature. Injuries and inconsistent form somewhat blighted his two-year spell in the principality, though Menez’s talent remained clearand Roma didn't hesitate in parting with €10.5 million to sign him in 2008.
Three years in the Eternal City confirmed both his tempestuous nature and dazzling ability, convincing PSG to splash out €8m and bring him back to his homeland in 2011, the same summer in which Qatar Sports Investments became the club’s majority owner. Menez produced the best football of his career to date, excelling under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. Nevertheless, after back-to-back Ligue 1 titles the forward was on the move again last summer, joining Pippo Inzaghi’s Milan. There, the Frenchman has been a rare bright spot in a dismal campaign for the Rossoneri, at times dragging the San Siro strugglers through games and virtually winning points on his own. To many, this has been the season in which Menez has definitively come of age.
Why you need to know him
Menez is hot property. Only Carlos Tevez, Luca Toni and Mauro Icardi – all out-and-out strikers – have notched more than his 16 goals in Serie A this season. Milan’s failure to secure European football for a second consecutive campaign means they are vulnerable to losing some of their better players, with Menez heading the list of likely departures from the San Siro this summer.
Former employers Monaco are one interested party but Liverpool are also on red alert, with the Reds in desperate need of a prolific scorer after a season in which strikers Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini have mustered just eight Premier League goals between them.
Menez, it seems, has been identified by Brendan Rodgers as the man capable of giving Liverpool more of an end product and cutting edge at the sharp end of the pitch.
Strengths
Quick and tricky, Menez is brilliant in one-on-one situations and able to beat defenders in a variety of ways. As his goals tally suggests, the 28-year-old is a fantastic finisher, and his passing is generally very good.
Menez’s versatility is a major plus point, too: he has played wide right, wide left, as a false nine and in behind a conventional centre-forward this term.
Weaknesses
While Menez is a fine dribbler, he is often guilty of holding onto the ball for too long and failing to release it at the right moment. The sight of him embarking on a mesmerising run before failing to pick out a better-placed team-mate has been an all too common one this season. If Menez had displayed more of a selfless streak, he'd have surely recorded more than just four assists in 2014/15.
His discipline – both on and off the field – is also a cause for concern. Menez was one of four France players to be reprimanded for bad behaviour at Euro 2012, while he's currently serving a a four-match ban for directing "insulting gestures” at the fourth official during Milan’s recent Serie A encounter with Genoa.
They said…
Inzaghi has endured a difficult first season as Milan manager, but he can at least take solace in what seems to be a unique player-coach relationship with Menez. “Adriano Galliani [Milan’s CEO] had the idea of signing him,” the former centre-forward said in September after the Frenchman had netted three goals in his opening two games. “I knew of his technique and pace, but wanted to know what he thought and so I met him in Ibiza.
“He seduced me in five minutes, and at that point I said what I expected from him. I realised that I was faced with a lad who was very open, kind and professional. What he has since done on the pitch proves I was right. His approach is perfect. He could’ve run into trouble at the start, but wiped all that out and is really helping the team. I intend to marry him!” Now that would be a story...
Did you know?
Menez has turned down the chance to join Manchester United on two separate occasions, something that will only serve to endear him to Liverpool fans. As a teenager, the Sochaux academy product was approached by the Premier League giants, and although Menez was “excited” by the offer, his parents rebuffed the approach believing their son would be better served finishing his education in France. Six years later in 2010, Menez also opted against moving to Old Trafford, choosing to remain at Roma.
What happens next?
Kevin Menez, Jeremy’s brother and agent, last week told the French press that there is currently “no reason [for his client] to leave [Milan]” –but his comments were hardly unequivocal. “We know that in modernfootballevery player is for sale, but we haven’t been contacted by anyone, and Jeremy feels good at Milan, where he’s had the best season of his career. Liverpool and Monaco? These are just rumours, there are rumours around every player. A player who has scored 16 goals will be sought after, but at the moment there’s nothing concrete.” With no European football on offer in Italy’s second city and Menez not getting any younger, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see him depart Milan in the coming months. He won't be short of suitors after an excellent campaign with the Rossoneri, and Liverpool will have to act quickly if they're to take him to Anfield.
Get the inside track on football's hottest prospects at FFT.com
featureMon, 18 May 2015 13:35:00 +0000Joe Brewin390487 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMenez handed four-match suspension after dismissalMilan will be without top scorer Jeremy Menez for the next four matches following his dismissal against Genoa on Wednesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-handed-four-match-suspension-after-dismissal
Jeremy Menez will miss four of Milan's final five Serie A games this season after being handed a suspension following his red card against Genoa.
The forward was dismissed during the second half of another disappointing Milan display on Wednesday, Filippo Inzaghi's side losing 3-1 to Genoa without their talisman.
Menez – who has 16 league goals this season – received a second yellow card with 18 minutes to play in the match which would normally incur a one-game ban, but governing body Lega Serie A has extended his punishment due to a tirade aimed towards the referee in the aftermath.
In a statement released on Friday, Serie A confirmed Menez's "outrageous" and "blasphemous" behaviour forced them to take further action.
As a result Menez will not be eligible until the final match against Atalanta on May 31, plunging Milan into further turmoil.
His absence will be a huge blow to Inzaghi, who continues to come under intense pressure regarding his own future at the fallen giants.news_articleFri, 01 May 2015 16:08:22 +0000Anonymous383008 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMilan 1 Genoa 3: Visitors deepen gloom for Inzaghis menFilippo Inzaghi's Milan were unable to silence the fan fury surrounding their current plight as they lost 3-1 to Genoa.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/milan-1-genoa-3-visitors-deepen-gloom-inzaghis-men
Ten-man Milan did nothing to halt the unrest surrounding the Serie A club as they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Genoa.
Filippo Inzaghi's side went into Wednesday's game harbouring only slim hopes of a European place and with fans continuing to voice their disapproval at the €91.3m losses revealed by Milan the previous day.
Sections of the home support positioned themselves to spell out the word 'basta' - meaning 'enough' - but Milan's disappointing form on the field shows no signs of abating.
Indeed, Genoa dictated matters for the majority of the contest and took the lead through midfielder Andrea Bertolacci's solo goal.
Tino Costa's deflected close-range finish in the 48th minute put Genoa in control, only for a superb 66th-minute strike from Philippe Mexes to give Milan hope.
But any prospect of the hosts completing a fine comeback were put to bed when forward Jeremy Menez was sent off for a second bookable offence, and Iago Falque's injury-time penalty secured a first win for Genoa over Milan at San Siro for 57 years.
Genoa made a brilliant start, but spurned a host of early chances.
Bertolacci saw a low drive tipped around the post by Diego Lopez, who then denied Zakarya Bergdich with a near-post save following good link-up play with Milan loanee M'Baye Niang.
Niang was denied by a fine one-on-one stop from Lopez, with the Milan goalkeeper thwarting Bertolacci again after Milan had carelessly conceded possession.
But Bertolacci finally got his goal in the 37th minute as he was afforded the space to surge from midfield to the penalty area and cleverly evade an Adil Rami challenge before slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Falque then went close to doubling Genoa's advantage, but his curling effort flew narrowly wide of the far post.
However, Falque atoned for that miss three minutes after the restart by teeing up Costa, whose shot deflected off Niang, to make it 2-0 at the end of an excellent Genoa counter-attack.
Milan mounted a response against the run of play, as Mexes lashed in off the underside of the crossbar following a well-worked short corner routine.
Yet Mexes' French compatriot Menez made Milan's task harder when he was given his marching orders six minutes later for a foul on Edenilson.
Lopez produced a fine double save to keep out efforts from Falque and Maxime Lestienne, but he could do nothing to prevent the Spaniard from powering a spot-kick into the net after a Mexes foul to send Genoa sixth in the table.news_articleWed, 29 Apr 2015 20:45:50 +0000Anonymous382126 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMilan always with Inzaghi insists MenezJeremy Menez insists under-fire Milan head coach Filippo Inzaghi has the full backing of his squad.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/milan-always-inzaghi-menez
Inzaghi may be under severe pressure at Milan, with reports suggesting a Coppa Italia defeatto Lazio could seal his fate, but Menez insists the coach has not lost the dressing room.
Former strikerInzaghi has struggled at the San Siro helm and the 18-time Italianchampions sit 10th after 20 matches, with Saturday's 3-1 Serie A loss to Lazio leading to increased speculation over the 41-year-old's future.
But he has received some timely backing from Menez, who was on target in the capital at the weekend.
"In the dressing room we're fine, the players are always with Inzaghi," said the France international ahead of Tuesday's quarter-finalvisit of Lazio.
"It is true that we are going through a difficult time. We have to stand up and go back to work hard for a good resultbecause we want all of this.
"It is true that [the]match is very important for us, for the coach and for the fans, but we should not put extra pressure on ourselves.
"We cannot make mistakes and we have to go on the field as lions, because you cannot make mistakes.
"In the Championship we are not living a beautiful moment, if we can do something in the Italian Cup would be nice.
"We know when Milan is not good, there are people who speak ill of the club and it's too easy to do so. We have to pull together, only then can we move forward."
news_articleMon, 26 Jan 2015 15:15:44 +0000Anonymous331450 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comWhy Roma vs Milan encapsulates everything thats wrong with Serie AAdam Digbylooks ahead to the topsy-turvy weekend battle between two footballing cities heading in drastically different directions...Adam Digbyhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-roma-vs-milan-encapsulates-everything-thats-wrong-serie
Billed as
The biggest game before the winter break. The home team narrowed the gap behind Serie A leaders Juventus to just a single point last week and will be keen to maintain pressure on the Turin giants. Milan hope to pick up where they left off after gaining momentum from victory over Napoli last Sunday.
The lowdown
While the result could prove vital to the aspirations of both clubs, this fixture also provides a snapshot of Italian football's current state.
Roma's sale to James Pallotta’s US-based consortium has brought foreign investment and a swift modernisation of operations to the capital, with the Giallorossi having embraced methods all too often eschewed by out-of-touch owners on the peninsula. After raising their profile and engaging supporters across the globe, Roma have moved quickly to build their own stadium in order to increase revenue streams.
The money they already have is being invested wisely – Walter Sabatini has long been considered one of Italy’s shrewdest operators in the transfer market. Making huge profit from the sales of Mehdi Benatia, Erik Lamela and others, Roma's sporting director has managed to uncover cheaper alternatives without compromising the quality available to Rudi Garcia.
The coach himself has overseen an incredible turnaround in his 18 months in charge, arriving shortly after a seventh-placed finish and defeat to bitter rivals Lazio in the 2013 Coppa Italia Final. Last season saw Roma break several club records as they set new highs for points (85), wins (26) and clean sheets (21) to further enhance Garcia's reputation as one of the most intelligent coaches on the continent.
Having lost just twice this term, Roma have once again mounted a serious challenge for the title by playing an entertaining brand of attacking football. Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan have proved a devastating combination in midfield that domestic opponents have struggled to contend with.
Their most recent win over Genoa came at some cost, however –bookings for Davide Astori and Pjanic mean they're suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards. In addition, left-back José Holebas will serve a one-match ban for directing a "provocative and insulting" gesture in the direction of home fans, and Garcia himself is set to miss two matches for allegedly slapping a steward in the aftermath of that testing encounter.
NEWS Garcia to fight two-match ban
With a solid core of home-grown talent – Alessandro Florenzi the latest to follow in the footsteps of fellow Romans Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi – theGialllorossi'sapproach stands in stark contrast to that ofMilan.
Just three years on from their last Serie A title victory, the San Siro giants are a shadow of their former selves, the squad now a collection of unwanted cast-offs and ageing stars whose best days are clearly behind them as Silvio Berlusconi struggles to come to terms with the financial realities of football in 2014.
Fernando Torres has continued the woeful form seen at Chelsea, and has been unable to secure a place in the starting XI despite the paucity of talent available to Pippo Inzaghi. The inexperienced coach, who took over from former team-mate Clarence Seedorf in the summer, has perhaps begun to lift the side, though.
Last weekend’s victory saw a much-improved performance. Riccardo Montolivo’s return adds some much-needed invention to an otherwise dour midfield, and the attack looked far better as a result.
That win over Napoli saw just four Italians in the Milan line-up, though, a far cry from the days of Italy's best players donning the famous red-and-black stripes. Inzaghi faces a mammoth task to even secure a Europa League berth next season –the harsh reality brought on by years of mismanagement.
Key battle: Kostas Manolas vsJérémy Ménez
While Roma's attacking players continually grab the headlines, Manolas has quietly become a vital component. Having arrived to fill the void left by Benatia’s acrimonious departure, the Greek defender has ensured the backline remains as solid as it was last season, and he will be needed at his best here. With Astori and Holebas suspended, Garcia will have to reshuffle, leaning heavily on the 23-year old central defender once again.
Averaging 1.6 tackles, 2.7 interceptions and 5.3 clearances per game, Manolas has shown himself to be strong in the air and intelligent on the ball, as his 91% pass completion highlights. He will face a stern test on Saturday, though, as he goes head-to-head with the in-form Ménez, fresh from a match-winning performance against Napoli.
After opening the scoring with a well-taken goal, the former Roma man continually embarrassed the Partenopei defence, and was unfortunate not to add to his 2014/15 tally of 8 goals –already a career high for the 27-year-old. His displays have forced Inzaghi to leave Torres and Stephan El Shaarawy on the bench. Having netted in the recent Milan derby and with five strikes in his last five appearances, he will undoubtedly look to cause problems for the club he left three years ago.
The managers
Aside from their respective presidents, perhaps nothing encapsulates the differences between these two clubs more than the men currently charged with leading them on the field. Roma’s Garcia is a widely-respected tactician with a wealth of experience behind him, winning Ligue Un with Lille in 2011. His penchant for attacking football, allied to an intelligent approach to the defensive side of the game, has won him many admirers since arriving in Italy.
His impact on the Giallorossi cannot be understated, having taken them over at their lowest ebb and transforming them into genuine title contenders almost immediately. While the Frenchman enjoyed a modest career as an attacking midfielder, Milan’s Inzaghi is far better known for his goalscoring exploits than his credentials on the bench. The former Italy striker has struggled since being handed control of the Rossoneri, winning just six games thus far in a difficult campaign and hampered by a continued lack of investment at the club.
GREAT GOALS RETOLD Inzaghi vs Barcelona, August 2010
Facts and figures
Milan have won more Serie A games against Roma than they have against any other club: 71 in 158 meetings.
Menez has 8 league goals so far this season – he managed 7 goals in three seasons at Roma from 2008-11.
Roma have conceded 4 goals in the last 2 games at the Stadio Olimpico, as many as they had suffered in the previous 10 fixtures.
More FFT Stats Zone facts
FourFourTwo prediction
A comfortable 2-0 victory for Roma, overcoming their injury and suspension problems to head into 2015 confident of mounting a serious title challenge.
Back 2-0 at7/1 with Bet365. Odds right at time of publication
Roma vs Milan LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone
featureFri, 19 Dec 2014 15:05:00 +0000Gregg Davies306250 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMilan forward Menez suffers adductor injuryMilan have revealed that winger Jeremy Menez is set for tests on an injury to his right adductor muscle.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-suffers-adductor-injury
Menez, who joined Milan from Paris Saint-Germain in June, has made a strong start to his career at San Siro, scoring three goals in six Serie A games.
However, the 27-year-old could be set for a spell on the sidelines in what would be a blow to Milan's hopes of continuing their relatively impressive early season form under Filippo Inzaghi.
A statement on Milan's official website read: "AC Milan would like to communicate that Jeremy Menez is suffering from a problem to his right adductor muscle. The player will undergo further tests over the next few days."
With Milan's next fixture at Verona a week on Sunday, Inzaghi will hope that Menez has enough time to recover from the problem.
The 18-time Italian champions sit fifth in Serie A, having taken 11 points from their first six games.
news_articleWed, 08 Oct 2014 12:46:32 +0000Anonymous265212 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMilan forward Menez a doubt for Chievo clashJeremy Menez is a doubt for Milans Serie A clash with Chievo on Saturday after sustaining a knee injury.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-doubt-chievo-clash
The 27-year-old left training early on Thursday after pulling up with the complaint, with hisclub subsequentlyconfirming the details of the problem.
"AC Milan informs that Jeremy Menez is suffering with swelling to the tendon in the area behind his left knee," a brief statement read.
"The player will be evaluated in the following hours."
Menez moved to San Siro from Paris Saint-Germain in the close-season, afterstrugglingfor regular first-team opportunities in the French capital.
The France international has impressed in the early weeks of the season, startingall five of Milan's matches and nettingthree goals.
news_articleThu, 02 Oct 2014 15:50:14 +0000Anonymous262329 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMenez thrilled with Milan victory at ParmaJeremy Menez was delighted to score twice as Milan edged a nine-goal thriller 5-4 against Parma on Sunday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-thrilled-milan-victory
The France international added to his strikeon the opening weekend of the season with a first-half penalty and an audacious back heel late in the game to seal victory.
Having touched the ball past Antonio Mirante the forward chased along the goalline before executing an outlandish effort that flummoxed theParma goalkeeper.
Menez moved to Italy after a frustrating season with Paris Saint-Germain last season and says he is loving life under Filippo Inzaghi.
Playing in a central attacking role in place of the injured Fernando Torres the 27-year-old lit up the StadioEnnio Tardini with some sparkling attacking play butacknowledged tha Milanmust dobetter defensively.
"We played a good game and ran a few too many risks, as we had the initiative throughout and the four goals we conceded were a little strange," he told Sky Sport Italia. "In the end it's the win that counts.
"The team showed courage and never let go. I am trying to do all I can and help the team. Tonight we suffered a lot too and must work on that.
"I feel good, this team and the coach helped me a great deal and I am happy at Milan."
Milan's win sees them keep the early pace with Juventus and Roma,with the defending champions next up for Inzaghi's men at San Siro.
news_articleSun, 14 Sep 2014 21:30:26 +0000Anonymous251891 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMenez dismisses his bad-boy reputationJeremy Menez has poured scorn on the notion that he is a bad boy as the France international prepares for life at new club Milan.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-dismisses-bad-boy-reptuation
The 27-year-old signed for Milan from Paris Saint-Germain back in June after agreeing terms on a three-year deal.
Menez had previously experienced a stint in Serie Awith Roma between 2008 and 2011, where he developed a somewhat unsavoury reputation.
However, he insists that is all behind him nowas he looks to make a more positive impression on his return to the Italian topflight.
"Am I a bad boy? The fact that I am a bad boy, excuse the term, is rubbish," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"People have a false picture of me and I want to prove that I am a quiet person on and off the field.
"I'm not saying that I have always been a saint, but I am now grown up, I feel different. In Rome I was young, I went wrong two or three times and IrealisedI made mistakes.
"As for those who judge me badly as a footballer, I say that in the first two season atPSGI managed almost 20 goals and 30 assists.
"This could be my year. My objectives are to take us back to the Champions League and to win something in this shirt, and to return to the national team."
Menez also revealed that new Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi was the main reason behind his move to San Siro.
"Inzaghihad a discussion with me that convinced me straight away," he said. "He is why I chose Milan.
"I feel a great understanding with the coach.I cannot fail because he is providing so much for me and I would give anything for him.
"I already knew him as a player, of course. He had so much charisma and was very determined, just like now.
"He told me he had spoken of me on the phone with CarloAncelotti,Zlatan IbrahimovicandThiagoSilva, asking what I was like on the field and as a person. I know they have said nice things about me, I have to thank them."
news_articleThu, 07 Aug 2014 09:30:39 +0000Anonymous226328 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMilan capture Menez on three-year dealMilan have confirmed the signing of Jeremy Menez from French champions Paris Saint-Germain on a three-year deal.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/milan-confirm-menez-signing
The 27-year-old found playing time hard to come by in the French capital last season, starting just seven matches as PSG romped to a second straight Ligue 1 title.
Menez revealed in March that it was unlikely he would stay in Paris, and the former Roma man has now secured a return to Serie A on a free transfer.
The signing forms part of Filippo Inzaghi's rebuild at the San Siro after the former striker replaced Clarence Seedorf as head coach.
"I'm very happy to be here," he told the club's official website. "I chose Milan because, even if you have had a bit of trouble last year, we hope to come back and win something important.
"You see that Inzaghi is ready for next year and he really wants to win with Milan. He has already won much as a player and wants to win as coach.
"We have to get back among the top three in the Italian top-flight to try to win Serie A.
"We must work so much and then we will see, we hope to do well this season.
"I want to assure fans that I will give everything on the field and hopefully bring some titles to Milan because this club deserves it. Forza Milan, a big salute to all the fans."
news_articleSat, 14 Jun 2014 12:12:25 +0000Anonymous192659 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMenez set to make move from PSG to MilanJeremy Menez looks set to join Milan from French champions Paris Saint-Germain, and has spoken of his excitement at the move.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-set-milan-switch
The 27-year-old found playing time hard to come by in the French capital last season, starting just seven matches as PSG romped to a second straight Ligue 1 title.
The France international revealed in March that it was unlikely he would stay in Paris, and he now appears on the verge of moving to San Siro as Milan aim to rebuild after the appointment of Filippo Inzaghi as head coach.
It will be Menez's second stint in Serie A, after three years spent in the Italian capital with Roma between 2008 and 2011, and he will arrive as a free agent with his PSG contract set to expire.
"I am very happy and I want to win as always, as I did with PSG," he toldMilanNews.it.
"Why Milan? Because they are a great team and a great club.
"I hope to do well here. I haven't spoken to any of the French players at Milan yet.
"What is the difference between the Menez at Roma and now? You'll see that on the pitch.
"I have grown a great deal compared to four years ago and I want to prove that on the field."
news_articleThu, 12 Jun 2014 08:06:07 +0000Anonymous191077 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comThe best Bosman free transfers of 2014: The men your club should signEverybody loves a bargain, so Pete Sharland has scoured Europe to find the best players out of contract in the summer. Which will represent the best Bosman transfer of 2014...?Peter Sharlandhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/best-bosman-free-transfers-2014-men-your-club-should-sign
There can surely be few greater feelings for a top-level football club than picking up a high quality player for nothing. In an age where transfer fees have become outrageously inflated, making a big signing without spending a penny (on transfer fees, at least) must leave club chairmen and accountants purring.
The big one this summer will be Robert Lewandowksi’s transfer from Dortmund to Bayern Munich, with the Polish striker following in the footsteps of the likes of Sol Campbell, Michael Ballack, Henrik Larsson, Andrea Pirlo and Fernando Llorente in having allowed his contract to run down before moving on to pastures new.
Here are ten more players who could join the Bosman Club in the coming months…
Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)
Linked with: Manchester City, Inter
Once again, Arsenal appear to have got it wrong as far as contract lengths are concerned. In 2012 they were forced to sell Robin van Persie on the cheap, relatively speaking, and now it seems Bacary Sagna is set to walk away from the Emirates for nothing. The Frenchman has stated that he would be willing to a sign a new deal but feels the terms offered by Arsenal are not reasonable. Premier League rivals Manchester City are said to have offered a deal with vastly improved terms - surely Arsenal can’t afford to let another star move to the Etihad?
Patrice Evra (Manchester United)
Linked with: Monaco, Inter, Roma
One thing David Moyes has tried to do in his first season as Manchester United manager is ease out the old guard and try and build a younger core. To that end, Nemanja Vidic is being allowed to leave for Inter, with defensive partner Rio Ferdinand also likely to be moved on. Evra’s attacking instincts have never deserted him, and he is arguably more of a threat going forward than ever (see his recent Champions League goal at Munich), but his legs aren’t coping quite so well when it comes to going the other way, and he is regularly exposed defensively. He has become a liability for a team like United but could easily slot in at Monaco or Inter Milan, two clubs he’s been heavily linked with.
Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Linked with: Liverpool, New York Red Bulls
A couple of years ago it would have seemed impossible that Cole would be in the position of very much not first choice for either club or country. Leighton Baines’ usurping of the England left-back slot was inevitable, but his displacement by right-back Cesar Azpilicueta at Chelsea was much more of a surprise. Nevertheless, the Spaniard has been magnificent where Cole has been shaky, and as the 33-year-old is unlikely to accept another season as a squad player, his future appears to be elsewhere. A reunion with Thierry Henry in New York or David Beckham in Miami has been mooted.
Manuel Fernandes (Besiktas)
Linked with: Newcastle United, Lokomotiv Moscow
One who may be familiar to Newcastle fans, the Magpies were rumoured to be in talks with the Besiktas midfielder in the summer but nothing came of it. The Portuguese midfielder has been locked in a talks with the Turkish club and looks set to leave in the summer. Fernandes – who previously spent two loan spells at Everton – is a technically gifted playmaker with excellent shooting and passing ability. There have been rumours of a move to Lokomotiv Moscow, but nothing has been confirmed – could the Magpies swoop in?
Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain)
Linked with: Liverpool, Juventus
One of the greatest bad boys, Menez has a taste for the ridiculous, both on and off the pitch. The French winger hasn’t had the happiest season at PSG, and is very much below Lucas Moura, Edinson Cavani, Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi in the Parisian pecking order. At the end of March, Menez confirmed his intention to leave the French champions. Liverpool have been long-term admirers of the former Roma man and have once again been heavily linked – as have Juventus, who were reported by the Swiss media to have completed a deal last month. As long as that remains unconfirmed, Brendan Rodgers is likely to be keeping tabs on the fiery wide-man.
Diego (Atletico Madrid)
Linked with: Tottenham Hotspur
One of football’s greatest mercenaries, few players outside the elite clubs in Europe are paid more than Diego, which probably explains why his former club Wolfsburg felt it necessary to use him even if he was sulking. The cause for Diego’s strop was his desire to play Champions League football, so on deadline day this January he re-joined Atletico Madrid, where he had previously spent the 2011/12 season on loan. His deal with the Spanish side runs to the end of the season and at the moment there appear to be no plans for renewal. His contract demands will be hefty and his fitness isn’t great but there are few better technicians around, Diego is a magician with the ball at his feet. The Brazilian has long been linked with Tottenham, although we’d quite like to see the look on Daniel Levy’s face when he heard the playmaker’s contractual demands…
Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Linked with: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Monaco
The question of where Victor Valdes is going to be playing his football next season has been a hot topic for over a year now. The Spaniard made it clear in January 2013 that he would not be renewing his contract with the Catalan giants and would be looking for a fresh challenge. Those ambitions were dealt a huge blow when Valdes suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in his knee in Barcelona’s recent 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo. The Spanish international is set to be out for seven months, so whoever signs him will be taking a big risk. Having said that though if he can get back to his best his new club will have one of the world’s best on their hands and unsurprisingly Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Monaco have all been linked.
Aaron Hunt (Werder Bremen)
Linked with: Tottenham Hotspur, Besiktas
If the name Aaron Hunt sounds familiar then it is because he was the man who owned up to diving to prevent his own side being awarded a penalty in a recent Bundesliga match. The other reason his name sounds familiar is because back in 2009 he was heavily courted by the FA on the basis of having an English mother. Hunt rejected the calls and has since represented Germany. He now looks set to leave Werder Bremen after over a decade with the club. Tottenham have been heavily linked to Hunt who is a skilful wide man capable of playing through the centre. He scored 11 times in the Bundesliga last season and has chipped in with four this year. The latest reports suggest he has picked Besiktas over the London side but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg)
Linked with: Stoke City
If Ivica Olic is to move to England this summer, it seems very possible that it will be to join Mark Hughes’ Stoke City. The Croatian forward admitted that he was in Stoke recently for a visit with his wife, and on his return he told the German press that he liked what he saw. However the former Bayern man was also keen to point out that there was every chance he would remain with Wolfsburg for another season. Olic’s work rate is the stuff of legend, and his big game mentality is second to none, he thrives under pressure. He came close to joining Stoke in the winter but he stalled and eventually rejected the offer. Hughes is doing a commendable job trying to adjust Stoke’s style of play and bringing in a player of Olic’s calibre would show they’re moving in the right direction. The only real surprise is that there appear to be no other Premier League sides in for him.
Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon)
Linked with: Newcastle United, Fulham
If Bafetimbi Gomis leaves Lyon and joins a Premier League side it will draw to end one of the longest running sagas in recent history. Not a single window goes by without Gomis being linked to a Premier League side, normally Newcastle United. His contract is up at the end of the summer and whilst the player has insisted he could stay at Lyon it does appear as if the two parties are miles away from reaching an agreement. Gomis is a physically imposing forward who can be a nightmare for defenders, but is also frustratingly inconsistent. If he does leave Lyon, he will probably find a number of potential suitors, but success in the Premier League is far less certain.
featureFri, 11 Apr 2014 12:00:24 +0000James Maw152414 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMenez expecting to leave PSG at end of seasonParis Saint-Germain winger Jeremy Menez expects to leave the Ligue 1 leaders after failing to agree terms for a contract extension.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-expecting-leave-psg-end-season
Menez joined PSG from Roma in July 2011 and scored the goal that secured the league title for the capital club in last season's 1-0 win at Lyon in May 2013.
However, the France international has found opportunities limited under coach Laurent Blanc in 2013-14, making just nine starts in all competitions.
Juventus, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for Menez, whose contract with PSG expires in June.
And the former Monaco and Sochaux man, who underwent back surgery before the start of the season, admitted that he is unlikely to remain at the Parc des Princes beyond this term.
"I'm at the end of my contract, and we haven't been able to reach an agreement. So, it's going to be difficult to stay," Menez told Canal+.
"For my good, I have to get back onto the pitch, enjoy myself and get my confidence back.
"I still have objectives to achieve. For that, I think I'm going to have to leave.
"My objective will be Euro 2016. It's a little complicated. I have never found myself in a situation like this. My season started badly, I had an operation. After that, there were games in which I should have played but didn't.
"That's due to things other than football, but that's part of it. You have to deal with it, and I am digging in. There are two months left. We'll see after that."
news_articleMon, 31 Mar 2014 15:55:39 +0000Anonymous146701 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMenez open to Juventus or Monaco summer switchJeremy Menez would be open to returning to Serie A or Monaco when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/menez-open-juventus-or-monaco-summer-switch
The former Monaco and Roma winger's deal with the French champions expires at the end of the season andJuventusare reported to be among his suitors.
Having spent three years at theStadio Olimpico before moving to PSG, Menez feels he would have no trouble adapting to life back in Italy if such a move transpired.
He also explained that his positive working relationship with Monaco coach Claudio Ranieriwould make a switch to the Stade Louis II outfit a potentially good fit.
"The years in Rome were important. I speak the language, I know the league and I follow it. For me it would be really easy to acclimatise," he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
"With Ranieri, there is a mutual respect. Monaco is a great club and I like challenges, I am open to interesting projects, but the main thing for me is to be happy again on the pitch."
Menez has made only six league starts this term, having suffered with injury over the close-season and the first half of the campaign.
The France international acknowledged that the injuries have played a part in his lack of game time in Laurent Blanc's debut season at the Parc des Princes, but also questioned the coach's decision to overlook him when he has been fit.
"I had back surgery in the summer. When I came back, the coach had made ​​other choices," Menez added.
"(Blanc's predecessor Carlo) Ancelotti is closer to the players, it makes you feel important. Blanc has a different style in managing the team.
"The choices of the coach must always be respected, although I have not always understood them."
news_articleWed, 26 Mar 2014 09:54:57 +0000Anonymous143842 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com